Blogging about whatever interests me

In a land where cholla (fondly known as "jumping cactus") abounds, experienced hikers advise newcomers to carry a comb to safely flick away the spiny segments, which can penetrate even sturdy boots. Feet also suffer the insults of sharp rocks and blast-furnace heat. But how did the Hohokam and other early desert dwellers protect their feet? Archaeologist Stephen E. Nash has been looking into the matter of shoes.